Snow artist Simon Beck treks out to Les Arcs ski resort each year to make his mark- creating gorgeous crop-circle like impressions in the snow. Last year the artist created an awesome series of starbursts, blooming spirals and geometric mandalas in the freshly fallen snow. Armed with only a pair of snow shoes, he stamps his way to gorgeous snow patterns, which are best viewed from above.

Dotted across the snow-filled valleys of the Les Arc ski lodge in France, the artist creates giant snow patterns simply by stepping in strategic patterns and shapes. With no help from machinery, he makes perfect geometric shapes simply by walking around the snow field.

Beck is able to keep his snow installations near perfect using his expertise in orienteering. A navigational sport using maps and compasses, orienteering relies heavily on tracking precise points on unfamiliar terrain–a perfect skill for tracking the epic snow prints. Combined with his love of mathematical patterns, the snow prints can get pretty complicated and intricately beautiful.

Each of the snow installations can take Beck six hours to two days to complete, some longer than others if faced with rough or windy weather. Once completed, the artist does not touch them up, leaving their longevity to the whim of nature. The installations can last anywhere from several weeks to just a few days, as they are worn away by the mountain winds or fresh snowfall, wiping Beck’s canvas clean for his next artistic endeavor.